Symposium 2026

On June 5, 2026, the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics hosted the Collective Action for Violence Prevention Symposium: Transforming Realities through Prevention and Collective Action. This event brought together professionals, public officials, organizations, and citizens interested in strengthening violence prevention efforts in Puerto Rico. The program addressed topics such as the current landscape of violence affecting infants and youth, public policy and substance use prevention, and multisectoral action for the protection of women and the eradication of sexual violence, among others. The presentations offered evidence-based analyses and multidisciplinary perspectives that contributed to the development of initiatives aimed at preventing violence, promoting safer environments, and improving the well-being of the population.

The Initiative

The purpose of the Collective Action for Violence Prevention symposium was to bring together professionals from various sectors to analyze, from an evidence-based perspective, the key challenges and strategies for preventing violence in Puerto Rico. This multisectoral initiative fostered a space for dialogue and action where organizations such as the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, the Department of Health, the Puerto Rico Police, and Iniciativa Comunitaria shared updated data on youth violence, substance use prevention policies, and the protection of women. In addition to strengthening institutional collaboration, the event offered formal training to attendees by granting hours in governmental ethics, integrating statistical rigor with social commitment to promote the safety and well-being of the population.

Special Guest Presentations

• • Mr. Alejandro Rodríguez-Putnam, Preventing Violent Firearm Deaths

• Dr. Glenda Dávila- Torres, Brega Bien Program: Risk Context

• Dr. Eduardo J. Zavala-Mendoza, Characterization of Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations for Overdose in Puerto Rico

• Ms. Keysha M. Maldonado Avilés, Data That Saves Lives

• Capt. Aymée M. Alvarado Cardona and Ms. Myribel H. Santiago, Sexual Assault within Domestic Violence

• Ms. Soé Rodríguez Alamo, Data for Action: Use of Tracking Systems, Hospital Audits, and Risk Assessment in Gender-Based Violence Prevention in Puerto Rico

• Ms. Edda Rocca López, Las Amigas

Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics

• Mr. Alberto L. Velázquez Estrada, Violent Deaths in Young Adults

• Dr. Diego E. Zavala, Typology of Violence Regional Context

• Dr. Francisco Pesante González, Child Maltreatment, Risk Behaviors, and Parenting Practices in Puerto Rico: A Statistical Overview

• Dr. Idania R. Rodríguez Ayuso, Sexual Coercion in Domestic Violence

Materials

Agenda

Photos

Press Releases

Summary Video

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